Implantation bleeding refers to the vaginal discharge characterized by blood of light pink or brown color which some women experience before pregnancy. It is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and usually occurs a week or two past ovulation. Implantation bleeding occurs when the egg is fertilized, and its tissue channels itself onto the uterus wall. The tissues then connect with the blood circulation of the mother as well as the tissues of the placenta. The small discharge of blood during this process is known as implantation bleeding.
Not many women experience bleeding at implantation. It is estimated that only about one-third to one-fourth of all pregnant women experience implant bleeding. Usually, there is so little flow of blood during implantation that in most cases, it goes unnoticed. Besides, many women also fail to recognize implantation bleeding due to its resemblance with periods. In most women who experience implant bleeding, there is usually no other discomfort associated with it. However, in some exceptional cases, implantation bleeding can be accompanied by:
Women often mistake bleeding at implantation to be their periods. However, it occurs before the expected date of menstruation and can be easily recognized by its scantiness and the pinkish color it has, unlike a period. Besides that, there are other differences between the two. Implant bleeding does not usually last more than three days, and occurs at intervals unlike periods which continue for about a week with a regular flow of blood.
The bleeding can be caused by a number of other reasons as well. Women may experience bleeding because of a change in their birth control pills, or even because of vaginal abrasion or infection that a recent sexual intercourse might have caused, or it can occur due to a miscarriage. In some cases, bleeding is also an early symptom of ectopic pregnancy. A yeast infection inside the vagina or bacterial vaginosis can also cause spotting that resembles implant bleeding. Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis and chlamydia causes the cervix to inflame. Bleeding can often be caused by an inflamed cervix. When in doubt, women should see a doctor to determine the exact cause of bleeding.
Bleeding is not generally a matter of concern if it occurs because of implantation. However, women should go for a check-up if they experience bleeding and suspect that it was caused by implantation, or if bleeding occurs after conception. They can also try pregnancy tests at home. Many women think that home pregnancy tests can lead to faulty results because of bleeding from implantation. However, it is not the case. Correctness of the results from pregnancy tests done at home depends on the quantity of the hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) present in the urine during that time. In order to prevent false pregnancy test results, women should perform these test 9-10 days past ovulation.
Bleeding at implantation does not have any side effects associated with it. However, women experiencing it should consult a doctor in order to confirm pregnancy, or to determine the exact causes of bleeding if it is not pregnancy that has caused the bleeding.